Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Hale Street Tents Return Friday, May 2

The Hale Street Tents will be open for dining from Friday, May 2, through Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, with live music on select Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays provided by the Downtown Wheaton Association. The block of Hale Street between Front Street and Wesley Street will be closed to vehicle traffic now through early October.

You will also find numerous opportunities for outdoor dining and live entertainment in other downtown locations and in Wheaton's other shopping districts during warmer months, too, as many Wheaton restaurants and businesses offer outdoor dining and entertainment. Be sure to check out all that's happening and support the local business community throughout Wheaton.

To ensure everyone’s safety, please remember that you may not ride bikes, scooters, skateboards or skates under the tents or on downtown sidewalks. Riders can either “walk your wheels” on sidewalks in the downtown or ride/skate on the street.

For more information on the Hale Street Tents and other outdoor dining and entertainment in downtown Wheaton, visit the Downtown Wheaton Association's website.

Real Estate Transfer Tax Moving Online May 1

The City of Wheaton is pleased to announce a convenient new way to obtain a real estate transfer stamp. Starting May 1, the City will offer this service online through the City's new online portal, allowing property buyers to apply, pay and obtain a real estate transfer stamp without a visit to City Hall.

Real estate transfer tax stamps are required for property purchases or title transfers within the City of Wheaton's corporate limits at a rate of $2.50 per $1,000 of the sale price. The buyer (or grantee) is responsible for purchasing the real estate transfer stamp. Through the new online portal, buyers can set up an account, pay the necessary fee and print the transfer stamp document after payment is made. This document must be included with the deed before filing with the DuPage County Recorder's Office.

For more information about real estate transfer tax stamps, visit the City's website.

Butterfield Road Resurfacing Project Underway; Expect Lane Closures

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is starting work today on its project to resurface Butterfield Road (Illinois 56) from Illinois 59 in Warrenville to Naperville Road in Wheaton. As part of this IDOT project, intermittent daytime lane closures will occur on Butterfield Road in Wheaton.

Motorists can expect traffic delays during this project, and IDOT recommends drivers consider alternative routes. Please use caution in work zones, watch for flaggers and signs, and follow all posted speed limits.

This project is expected to be completed in November 2025. For more information, visit IDOT’s website.

Apply for 2025 Citizens Police Academy

The Wheaton Police Department is accepting applications for a 10-week Citizens Police Academy, a chance for community members to learn the inner workings of police operations, practices and objectives. Classes will take place from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 26 through Oct. 28, 2025 at the Wheaton Police Department, 900 W. Liberty Drive, and nearby locations. For more information, visit the City's website.

New York Times Best-Selling Author Shelby Van Pelt Visits Wheaton Public Library

Did you know that author Shelby Van Pelt wrote part of her New York Times best-selling novel "Remarkably Bright Creatures" at the Wheaton Public Library, and she calls Wheaton home? The Wheaton Public Library welcomed Shelby to talk about her remarkable novel, her writing journey and her favorite writing spot at the library during its 4th annual Local Author Fest last weekend. You can watch a recording of her presentation here. Thank you to Shelby Van Pelt for sharing your story with the Wheaton community!

Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission Gearing Up with Virtual Map and Upcoming Group Rides

Explore Wheaton Parks with Virtual Map:
- Discover Wheaton’s parks and history through a self-guided bike ride using the Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission’s virtual bike tour map. Take your phone along for the ride, and when you reach each location, tap play on each park's video to learn more about the site!
Join a Group Ride or Walk:
- Get active and explore the area with the Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission’s Group Rides & Walks. Check out the full 2025 schedule of rides and events to see what’s coming up.
- The next ride will take place on Sunday, May 4 2-3:30 p.m. to explore Lilacia Park in Lombard. All Group Rides depart from the West Plaza of the Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St.
- All riders must complete an online waiver to participate.

For more information about the Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission, visit the City's website.

Celebrate National Bike & Roll to School Day May 7

Wheaton’s Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission invites Wheaton schools to join over 1,200 schools from around the country to celebrate National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 7. The event encourages children to bike, walk, or scooter to school.

Bike & Roll to School Day is a nationwide bike-focused event that also raises the awareness of the need for safe routes for bicycling and walking along with helping to emphasize the importance of physical activity for children. Biking and walking build community, reduce traffic congestion around schools, and benefit the environment. Each participating school is organizing its own event independently, so check with your local school administration for more details.

For more information, visit the City's website.

City Celebrates Arbor Day

On Friday, April 25 the City celebrated Arbor Day at Whittier Elementary School. The City's Forestry Division, Councilman Weller, the City's Environmental Improvement Commission, Superintendent Dr. Schuler, students and staff planted a new tree and celebrated Wheaton being a Tree City USA. Whittier's Green Team did a fantastic job representing their school and sharing about the importance of trees in our community. See highlights from the event by watching this video.

Contact Us

To contact us, please send an email to:
communications@wheaton.il.us.